Billy Long

Long is a fourth-generation native of Missouri. He was born in Springfield in 1955. He graduated from the K–12 Greenwood Laboratory School in 1973.[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2022-10-26/pdf/CDIR-2022-10-26-MO-H-7.pdf Congressional Directory][https://www.greenwood.missouristate.edu/page/famous-alumni "Famous Alumni | Greenwood Laboratory School"] He attended the University of Missouri from 1973 to 1976 but did not graduate.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-irs-billy-long-auctioneer-congressman-werfel-what-to-know/ |title=What to know about Billy Long, the ex-congressman and auctioneer Trump wants to head the IRS |publisher=CBS News |date=2024-12-06 |access-date=2025-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219131322/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-irs-billy-long-auctioneer-congressman-werfel-what-to-know/|archive-date=2024-12-19 }}{{cite web |url=http://billylongforcongress.com/Groups/1000059963/Billy_Long_for/About_Billy_Long/About_Billy_Long.aspx |title=About Billy Long |publisher=Billy Long for Congress |date=2010-11-02 |access-date=2011-07-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910151639/http://www.billylongforcongress.com/Groups/1000059963/Billy_Long_for/About_Billy_Long/About_Billy_Long.aspx |archive-date=2011-09-10 }} Long then attended and later graduated in 1979 from the Missouri Auction School, based in Kansas City.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-17|title=Meet Vicky|url=https://www.billylongforcongress.com/meet-billy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817005218/https://www.billylongforcongress.com/meet-billy|archive-date=2020-08-17|access-date=|website=billyforcongress.com}}{{Cite web |title=LONG, Billy |url=https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/L000576 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress}} In 1983, he graduated from the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University Bloomington.{{Cite web |title=Congressional Directory Missouri |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2022-10-26/pdf/CDIR-2022-10-26-MO-H-7.pdf |website=www.govinfo.gov}}

Long was an auctioneer and owned Billy Long Auctions, LLC from 1979 to 2011.{{Cite web |title=Former Rep. Billy Long - R Missouri, 7th, Ran for Senate - Internal Revenue Service (Jan. 2025-), Commissioner Nominee - Biography {{!}} LegiStorm |url=https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/151778/William_Hollis_Long_II.html |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=www.legistorm.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Farzan |first=Antonia Noori |date=2018-09-06 |title=How Rep. Billy Long’s auctioneering past made him the breakout star of the Twitter hearings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/09/06/how-rep-billy-longs-auctioneering-past-made-him-the-breakout-star-of-the-twitter-hearings/ |access-date=2025-05-18 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} He was named "Best Auctioneer in the Ozarks" for seven years in a row.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-29 |title=Candidate Details: Billy Long |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=209955 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=ourcampaigns.com}}{{Cite news |last=Fields |first=Ashleigh |date=2024-12-04 |title=Trump names Billy Long as IRS head |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329174419/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/ |archive-date=2025-03-29 |access-date=2025-05-18 |work=The Hill |language=en-US |url-status=live }} In 2016, he was inducted into National Auctioneers' Association Hall of Fame{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaQAtL2mj3g |title=Billy Long - 2016 NAA Hall of Fame |date=2016-08-04 |last=National Auction Association |access-date=2025-02-11 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=National Auction Association |url=https://www.auctioneers.org/awards%20and%20recognition |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=www.auctioneers.org}} after his 2009 induction into the Missouri Professional Auctioneers’ Association Hall of Fame.{{Cite web |title=Former Rep. Billy Long - R Missouri, 7th, Ran for Senate - Internal Revenue Service (Jan. 2025-), Commissioner Nominee - Biography {{!}} LegiStorm |url=https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/151778/William_Hollis_Long_II.html |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=www.legistorm.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Ewan |date=2018-09-06 |title=Congressman Drowns Out Protest With Auction Chant |url=https://www.newsweek.com/video-congressman-billy-long-drowns-out-far-right-activists-twitter-hearing-1108932 |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Richard |title=Going Once, Going Twice…Nominated? Meet Auctioneer Billy Long, Trump’s Unlikely IRS Pick |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/who-is-billy-long-irs-trump-57b4ccaa |year=2024 |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=WSJ |language=en-US}} He was a talk radio show host on the Springfield-based station KWTO and worked as a realtor part time.{{cite news |last=Szuch |first=Susan |date=December 9, 2024 |title=Trump wants Billy Long to head IRS. Here's what to know about the Springfield politician |url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/09/trump-wants-springfields-billy-long-to-head-irs-heres-what-to-know/76798608007/ |access-date=February 12, 2025 |work=Springfield News-Leader}} He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, National Auctioneers Association, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the National Rifle Association of America, and the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors. He was also the former President of the Missouri Auctioneers' Association.{{Cite web |title=Vote Smart {{!}} Facts For All |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/123401/billy-long |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Vote Smart}}{{Cite web |title=Congressional Directory Missouri |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2022-10-26/pdf/CDIR-2022-10-26-MO-H-7.pdf |website=www.govinfo.gov}}

Long was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023.

Long was among the 75 Republican cosponsors to the Fair Tax Act (H.R. 25/S. 18), first introduced in 2015 by Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA) and then again in 2017. {{Cite news |last=Leddy |first=Maureen |last2=Shaw |first2=Tim |date=December 9, 2024 |title=Werfel, Lawmakers React to Trump's IRS Commissioner Pick |url=https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/werfel-lawmakers-react-to-trumps-irs-commissioner-pick/ |access-date=January 19, 2025 |work=Thomson Reuters}} The bill would have phased out all IRS funding and abolished the IRS in 2019. It also would have scrapped the income tax system and replaced it with a 23% national retail sales tax primarily administered by the states.

During a September 2018 House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing on alleged anti-conservative bias on social media, far-right internet personality Laura Loomer interrupted the meeting. Long began a mock auction chant pretending he was selling Loomer's mobile phone until she was escorted out.{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=Kathryn |date=September 5, 2018 |title=Congressman drowns out protester with auction call in Twitter hearing |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rep-billy-long-drowns-out-laura-loomer-during-hearing-with-twitter-ceo-jack-dorsey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905234251/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rep-billy-long-drowns-out-laura-loomer-during-hearing-with-twitter-ceo-jack-dorsey/ |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2018 |work=CBS News}}{{cite news |title=Watch: A fast-talking auctioneer-turned-Congressman drowned out this far-right protester |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-a-fast-talking-auctioneer-turned-congressman-drowned-out-this-far-right-protester |access-date=September 7, 2018 |work=PBS NewsHour |agency=Associated Press |date=September 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905220125/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-a-fast-talking-auctioneer-turned-congressman-drowned-out-this-far-right-protester |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |url-status=live}} The incident generated considerable laughter and applause from the audience.{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Eli |date=September 5, 2018 |title=Congressman uses old auctioneer skills to drown out protester during hearing |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/09/05/politics/billy-long-auction-protester/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906095459/https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/05/politics/billy-long-auction-protester/index.html |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2020 |work=CNN}}

In September 2018, in response to sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Long retweeted a Twitter post comparing the allegations to a "kiss on the forehead".{{cite news |last=Sonmez |first=Felicia |date=September 17, 2018 |title=Congressman retweets post mocking sexual assault allegation against Brett Kavanaugh |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congressman-retweets-post-mocking-sexual-assault-allegation-against-brett-kavanaugh/2018/09/17/25203168-ba9a-11e8-9812-a389be6690af_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

In December 2021, Long was given the Order of the Rising Sun, on behalf of the Emperor of Japan in recognition of Long's "significant contributions to deepening bilateral relations and promoting legislative exchanges between Japan and the United States".

In 2023, Long worked as a salesperson for Lifetime Advisors and Commerce Terrace Consulting, two companies that encourage clients to apply for tax credits and subsequently take a cut of the benefits.{{Cite news |last=Duehren |first=Andrew |date=December 6, 2024 |title=He Promised Huge Tax Refunds. Now Trump Wants Him to Lead the I.R.S. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/us/politics/billy-long-trump-irs-tax-credit.html |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} On his X profile, Long self-describes as a "Certified Tax & Business Advisor". The "Certified Tax & Business Advisor" certificate was given to Long after he attended a three-day course offered by a Florida tax consultancy.

At Lifetime Advisors, Long encouraged eligible clients to apply for a controversial tax credit, the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), for which the IRS temporarily stopped accepting applications for due to a large number of firms making improper claims. Lifetime Advisors took an expansive view of eligibility for the tax credit, sometimes even challenging clients who did not believe they qualified. Companies that erroneously apply for the credit are at risk of having to pay penalties to the IRS. The IRS has warned companies not to rely on companies that ask for a cut of a tax credit. Lifetime has helped companies claim $1.3 billion in ERTC tax credits.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-14 |title=The questionable certification behind IRS commissioner nominee Billy Long |url=https://www.blakeoliver.com/blog/the-questionable-certification-behind-irs-commissioner-nominee-billy-long |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=Blake Oliver, CPA |language=en-US}} In a September 2023 interview, Long stated that he helped only eligible companies claim the credit. The credit itself has cost the government $230 billion.{{Cite web |last=Faler |first=Brian |date=2024-12-18 |title=Trump’s pick for IRS chief touted troubled tax credit to businesses |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/17/trumps-irs-chief-tax-credit-businesses-00194237 |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}

In 2024, Long lobbied in Washington D.C. for the IRS to approve more tax credit claims.

In July 2023, Long became a realtor with Murney Associates.

On December 4, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Long to serve as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. During his time in Congress, Long repeatedly sponsored bills to abolish the IRS. President Trump "described him as a 'people person' who was 'well respected on both sides of the aisle.'"{{cite news|last=Fields |first=Ashleigh |date=4 December 2024 |title=Trump names Billy Long as IRS head |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/amp/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=The Hill}}

In January 2025, following his nomination to head the IRS, Long received nearly $137,000 in campaign contributions to his Senate campaign committee, which had raised less than $36,000 during the previous two years.{{Cite web |last=Friedman |first=Amanda |date=2025-04-16 |title=Trump's pick to lead the IRS raked in donations to pay off campaign debt after he was announced |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/billy-long-irs-campaign-donations-00293051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423233655/https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/billy-long-irs-campaign-donations-00293051 |archive-date=2025-04-23 |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=POLITICO |language=en}} Long then paid himself $130,000 in remuneration for the outstanding portion of a $250,000 loan he had made to his 2022 US Senate campaign.

Republican Senator Mike Crapo has stated that he is looking forward to Long's ideas on the agency.{{cite web |last=Kennard |first=Emily |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Republicans Want Billy Long to 'Shake Things Up' at the IRS |url=https://www.notus.org/policy/republicans-want-billy-long-to-shake-things-up-at-the-irs |url-access=registration |url-status=live |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Notus}} The National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy organization, praised President Trump's selection for Long to lead the agency in reform.{{cite news |last=Picchi |first=Aimee |date=December 6, 2024 |title=What to know about Billy Long, the ex-congressman and auctioneer Trump wants to head the IRS |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-irs-billy-long-auctioneer-congressman-werfel-what-to-know/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=CBS News}} Jason Smith, the House Ways and Means chairman, also praised Trump’s choice to lead the tax-collection agency, stating that: "I couldn’t have picked anyone better."{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Ex-Missouri lawmaker Billy Long is Trump's pick for IRS commissioner |url=https://rollcall.com/2024/12/04/ex-missouri-lawmaker-billy-long-is-trumps-pick-for-irs-commissioner/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=Roll Call}}

However, some Democrats have raised concern. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon criticized President Trump for wanting to replace Danny Werfel, who later stepped down as commissioner on January 20, 2025,{{Cite news |last=Bogage |first=Jacob |date=January 17, 2025 |title=IRS commissioner to resign as Trump eyes replacement |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/17/irs-commissioner-resign-trump-eyes-replacement/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=The Washington Post}}{{cite web |last=Katz |first=Eric |date=January 17, 2025 |title=IRS chief to step down upon Trump's inauguration, well before his term expires |url=https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/01/irs-choief-step-down-upon-trumps-inauguration-well-his-term-expires/402303/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Government Executive}} and Long's involvement with the scam-plagued Employee Retention Credit.{{Cite news|last=Dore |first=Kate |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Trump's pick for IRS commissioner, former congressman Billy Long, receives mixed response from Washington, tax community |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/money-report/trumps-nominee-for-irs-commissioner-former-congressman-billy-long-receives-mixed-response-from-washington-tax-community/3617628/ |accessdate=January 19, 2025 |website=WMAQ-TV}} House representative Don Beyer, who serves on the House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, echoed his support for Werfel to complete his term, and dismay at Long's lack of qualifications and previous efforts to eliminate the agency he was nominated to lead.

In March 2025, while Long's IRS nomination was pending in the Senate, he was appointed as a senior advisor in the Office of Personnel Management.{{cite web |last1=Alper |first1=Alexandra |last2=Bose |first2=Nandita |date=March 27, 2025 |title=Exclusive: White House installs Trump loyalists at federal HR agency after 'five things' email |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-installs-trump-loyalists-federal-hr-agency-after-five-things-email-2025-03-27/ |work=Reuters}}{{cite web|last=Holman |first=Gregory |date=March 28, 2025 |title=Former southwest Missouri congressman Billy Long to advise chief federal HR agency |url=https://www.ksmu.org/news/2025-03-28/former-southwest-missouri-congressman-billy-long-to-advise-chief-federal-hr-agency |work=KMSU }} In June, Talking Points Memo reported that Long was said by Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat of Oregon) to be earning $195,200, "which is the maximum salary for a federal worker in Washington D.C.," in this position, while Long's "internal OPM calendar . . . shows him averaging less than three items per week over the past three months".{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Hunter |date=June 3, 2025 |title=Internal Docs Raise Questions About Trump IRS Pick Billy Long’s ‘No-Show Jobs’ And ‘Strange’ Schedule Inside A Powerful Agency |url=https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/billy-long-office-of-personnel-management-irs |work=Talking Points Memo}}

Long was an early enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump, and claimed to have coined the phrase "getting on the Trump train." Trump has praised him, saying "He (Billy) is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress."{{cite news|last1=Kim |first1=Minho |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Trump Transition Updates: As Hegseth Vows to Fight, Trump Considers His Options |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/04/us/trump-news |work=The New York Times}}

After Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election and Donald Trump refused to concede,{{cite news|date=November 3, 2020 |title=Presidential Election Results 2020: Biden Wins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-president.html |accessdate=December 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} Long pushed Trump's false claims of voter fraud in the election.{{Cite news |last=Shepherd |first=Katie |date=November 6, 2020 |title=GOP splits over Trump's false election claims, unfounded fraud allegations |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/11/06/republicans-split-trump-election-fraud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116035335/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/11/06/republicans-split-trump-election-fraud/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Huguelot |first=Austin |date=November 12, 2020 |title=Top Missouri Republicans embrace Trump's resistance to election results |url=https://www.therolladailynews.com/news/20201112/top-missouri-republicans-embrace-trumps-resistance-to-election-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115080503/https://www.therolladailynews.com/news/20201112/top-missouri-republicans-embrace-trumps-resistance-to-election-results |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Rolla Daily News}} In December 2020, Long supported an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the election based on allegations of fraud.[https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22O155/163550/20201211132250339_Texas%20v.%20Pennsylvania%20Amicus%20Brief%20of%20126%20Representatives%20--%20corrected.pdf Court document] supremecourt.gov{{Cite press release |title=We Will Object |date=December 31, 2020 |publisher=long.house.gov |url=https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=476 |last1=Smith |first1=Jason |last2=Long |first2=Billy |last3=Graves |first3=Sam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209135541/https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=476 |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |author-link1=Jason Smith (American politician) |author-link2=Billy Long |author-link3=Sam Graves |last4=Hartzler |first4=Vicky |author-link4=Vicky Hartzler}}

Long supported President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order banning entry to the U.S. to citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Aaron |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Whip Count: Here's where Republicans stand on Trump's controversial travel ban |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/29/heres-where-republicans-stand-on-president-trumps-controversial-travel-ban/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129171527/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/29/heres-where-republicans-stand-on-president-trumps-controversial-travel-ban/ |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2017 |work=The Washington Post}}

Long served on the Energy and Commerce Committee during his entirety in Congress. He advocated for access to affordable energy for Americans.{{Cite web |title=Billy Long on Energy & Oil |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/house/Billy_Long_Energy_+_Oil.htm |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=www.ontheissues.org}} In 2010, he signed the No Climate Pledge by AFP. Long was a proponent of drilling for oil, voting for opening the outer continental shelf to oil drilling. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Long called for the sanctioning of Russia's oil to cut off Putin's ability to wage war.{{Cite news |date=2022-03-03 |title='Sanction their oil': Rep. Long on cutting off Putin’s ability to wage war |url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/russia-at-war/sanction-their-oil-rep-long-on-cutting-off-putins-ability-to-wage-war/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212160906/https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/russia-at-war/sanction-their-oil-rep-long-on-cutting-off-putins-ability-to-wage-war/ |archive-date=2025-02-12 |access-date=2025-05-18 |work=NewsNation |language=en-US |url-status=live }}

Long has stated that he is open to either a flat tax or a fair tax as a way to fix the American tax system. He has voted in support of tax relief and said that the government takes too much, penalizes success, and has created a tax code that is too complex.{{Cite web |title=Billy Long on Tax Reform |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/house/Billy_Long_Tax_Reform.htm |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=www.ontheissues.org}}

In his first year of Congress, Long co-sponsored the Fair Tax Act of 2011. This bill called for the replacement of income tax & estate tax with 23% sales tax. Also in 2011, he was part of a push to get the IRS to launch a probe of the tax-exempt status of the Humane Society of the United States.{{cite news|last=Sirota |first=David |last2=Santoro |first2=Helen |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Trump Nominee Pressured IRS to Crush the Humane Society |url=https://www.levernews.com/trump-nominee-pressured-irs-to-crush-the-humane-society/ |url-access=registration |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=The Lever}} The letter followed the Humane Society’s support of a successful Missouri ballot measure strengthening regulations on dog breeders. In 2015, Long co-sponsored H.R.25 & S.155, a bill to "promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the States." In December 2024, he was appointed to lead the IRS, the organization he previously called to abolish in that vote.{{Cite web |last=Rep. Woodall, Rob [R-GA-7] |date=2015-01-06 |title=Cosponsors - H.R.25 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): To promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the States. |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/25/cosponsors |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=www.congress.gov |language=en}}

In 2014, Long introduced the Taxpayer Transparency Act.{{USBill|113|hr|3308|which=113|site=congress.gov}}

{{USBill|113|s|1921|site=congress.gov|which=113}} The bill required that federal agencies label any distributed promotional or educational material carry the "paid for by taxpayers" label. The act was a response to a multi-million ad campaign by the Department of Health and Human Services to promote the Affordable Care Act.{{cite web |last=Shesgreen |first=Deirdre |title=Billy Long's bill a symptom, symbol of gridlock |url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/08/10/billy-longs-bill-symptom-symbol-gridlock/13839847/ |date=August 2014 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Springfield News-Letter}} The bill passed the House amended, before the Senate then passed on to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Long opposed stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and red-flag laws. He argued that such measures infringe on Second Amendment rights and would not effectively prevent gun violence.{{Cite news |last=Bacharier |first=Galen |date=June 1, 2022 |title=Billy Long declines to commit support for specific gun control measures in wake of Uvalde |url=https://eu.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2022/06/01/billy-long-gun-control-measures-post-uvalde-texas-background-checks-red-flag-laws/7468687001/ |access-date=January 29, 2025 |work=Springfield News-Leader}} In 2022, in an interview following the Uvalde school shooting, Long blamed the increase in mass shootings on the legalization of abortion.{{Cite news |last=Lonas Cochran |first=Lexi |date=June 3, 2022 |title=GOP Missouri lawmaker ties shootings to abortion: ‘Life has no value to a lot of these folks’ |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3510757-gop-missouri-lawmaker-ties-shootings-to-abortion-life-has-no-value-to-a-lot-of-these-folks/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last=Harvey |first=Josephine |date=June 1, 2022 |title=GOP Lawmaker Manages To Blame Abortion For Mass Shootings |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/billy-long-abortion-gun-violence_n_62980d7ae4b0c184bdcce47f |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=HuffPost}}

Long was repeatedly endorsed by the National Rifle Association of America, earning an "A" rating from them for his demonstrated record of being a pro-gun Congressman.{{Cite web |last=NRA-PVF |title=NRA-PVF Endorses Billy Long for the 7th Congressional District of Missouri |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20160407/nra-pvf-endorses-billy-long-for-the-7th-congressional-district-of-missouri |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=NRA-PVF |language=en}}

In 2013, Long voted no on re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act.{{Cite web |title=Billy Long on Civil Rights |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/house/Billy_Long_Civil_Rights.htm |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=www.ontheissues.org}}

Long holds a pro-life position on abortion. He has supported efforts to limit abortion access, including legislation aimed at defunding Planned Parenthood and co-sponsored the Sanctity of Human Life Act that proposed to grant full personhood to fertilised embryos. Long has also expressed his support for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and believes that abortion laws should be regulated at the state level. Additionally, he opposes federal funding for abortion services.{{Cite web |title=Billy Long on Abortion |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/House/Billy_Long_Abortion.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712164047/https://www.ontheissues.org/House/Billy_Long_Abortion.htm |archive-date=July 12, 2024 |access-date=January 29, 2025 |website=ontheissues.org}}

In 2015, Long cosponsored the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36). This bill sought to prohibit most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.{{Cite web |title=Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR36) |url=https://trackbill.com/bill/us-congress-house-bill-36-pain-capable-unborn-child-protection-act/740372/ |access-date=January 29, 2025 |website=trackbill.com}}

In 2015, Long condemned the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that same-sex marriage bans violated the constitution.{{Cite web |title=The Voter's Self Defense System |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/988665/long-statement-on-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-decision |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Vote Smart}} In 2022, Long voted against the Respect for Marriage Act that required all states and territories to recognise same-sex and interracial marriages.{{Cite news |last=Dormido |first=Hannah |last2=Blanco |first2=Adrian |last3=Perry |first3=Kati |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Here’s which House members voted for or against the Respect for Marriage Act |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2022/house-vote-count-respect-for-marriage-act/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=The Washington Post}}

Long is an advocate for freedom of religion.{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Billy |date=2018-11-23 |title=Long's Short Report -- Protecting Religious Freedom |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1307414/longs-short-report-protecting-religious-freedom |website=Vote Smart}} He voted yes in support of both the First Amendment Defense Act which aimed to legally protect religious opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriage as free speech, and H.Con.Res.13.{{Cite web |title=Legislation-Concurrent Resolution - Joint Resolution Passed (House) (396-9) - Nov. 1, 2011 |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/bill/14091/37220/123401/billy-long-voted-yea-passage-h-con-res-13-encourages-display-of-in-god-we-trust-in-public-buildings-and-schools#37220 |website=Vote Smart}} which reaffirmed the use of “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States government and encouraged use of the motto in public institutions.{{Cite web |last=Rep. Forbes |first=J. Randy [R-VA-4 |date=2011-11-02 |title=Text - H.Con.Res.13 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions. |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/13/text |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=www.congress.gov}} Long is a member of the First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri.{{Cite web |title=Billy Long's Biography |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/123401/billy-long |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126155132/https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/123401/billy-long |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=Vote Smart |language=en-US |url-status=live }}

• Long was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the emperor of Japan in 2021.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2021 |title=2021 Spring Bestowal of Decoration - The Honorable William Hollis Long II |url=https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/2021-spring-bestowal-long.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703143804/https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/2021-spring-bestowal-long.html |archive-date=2022-07-03 |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Southwest Missouri Rep. Billy Long honored by Japanese government |url=https://www.ky3.com/2021/12/02/southwest-missouri-rep-billy-long-honored-by-japanese-government/ |access-date=February 11, 2025 |website=KY3 |language=en}}
• A medical clinic named "Billy Long Medical & Dental Education Center" by Jordan Valley Community Health Center{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=KY3 |date=2024-10-30 |title=Community leaders dedicate new education center at Jordan Valley Health Center in Springfield |url=https://www.ky3.com/2024/10/30/community-leaders-dedicate-new-education-center-jordan-valley-health-center-springfield/ |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=www.ky3.com |language=en}}
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Greenwood Laboratory School, Missouri State{{Cite web |title=Congressional Directory - Missouri |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2022-10-26/pdf/CDIR-2022-10-26-MO-H-7.pdf |publisher=United States Government Publishing Office}}{{Cite web |title=Famous Alumni |url=https://www.greenwood.missouristate.edu/page/famous-alumni |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419135513/https://www.greenwood.missouristate.edu/page/famous-alumni |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Greenwood Laboratory School |publisher=Missouri State University}}
• National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame{{Cite web |title=National Auction Association |url=https://www.auctioneers.org/awards%20and%20recognition |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=www.auctioneers.org}}
• Guardian of Small Business Award by the National Federation of Independent Business{{Cite web |last=Boaz |first=Kyle |date=2018-10-08 |title=Newsmakers: Oct. 8-14, 2018 |url=https://sbj.net/stories/newsmakers-oct-8-14-2018,60817 |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=Springfield Business Journal |language=en}}
• National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence{{Cite web |date=2020-01-07 |title=Awarding Manufacturing Legislation Excellence |url=https://www.hagley.org/research/programs/nam-project-news/awarding-manufacturing-legislation-excellence |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=Hagley |language=en}}

{{See also|2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri#District 7}}

;Republican primary

Long joined the race for the 7th Congressional District after incumbent U.S. representative Roy Blunt chose to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kit Bond. In the crowded seven-way Republican primary—the de facto election in the state's most Republican district—Long won with 36% of the vote.

{{Election box begin no change |title=Missouri's 7th district Republican primary, August 3, 2010}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Billy Long

|votes = 38,218

|percentage = 36.56

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Jack Goodman

|votes = 30,401

|percentage = 29.08

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Gary Nodler

|votes = 14,561

|percentage = 13.93

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Darrell Moore

|votes = 9,312

|percentage = 8.91

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Jeff Wisdom

|votes = 4,552

|percentage = 4.36

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Moon

|votes = 4,473

|percentage = 4.28

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Steve Hunter

|votes = 2,173

|percentage = 2.08

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Michael Wardell

|votes = 844

|percentage = 0.81

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 104,534

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

;General election

{{Election box begin no change

|title= 2010 election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Billy Long

|votes = 141,010

|percentage = 63.39

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Scott Eckersley

|votes = 67,545

|percentage = 30.37

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Kevin Craig

|votes = 13,866

|percentage = 6.23

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in candidate|Write-ins

|candidate = Others

|votes = 10

|percentage = 0.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri#District 7}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title= 2012 election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Billy Long

|votes = 203,565

|percentage = 63.87

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Evans

|votes = 98,498

|percentage = 30.90

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Kevin Craig

|votes = 16,668

|percentage = 5.23

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in candidate|Write-ins

|candidate = Others

|votes = 9

|percentage = 0.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri#District 7}}

In the August 5 Republican primary, Long defeated Marshall Works, 62.4% to 37.6%.{{cite web |title=2014 Missouri House Primaries Results |work=Politico |date=August 6, 2014 |url=http://www.politico.com/2014-election/results/map/house/missouri/ |access-date=August 8, 2014}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title= 2014 election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Billy Long

|votes = 104,054

|percentage = 63.46

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Evans

|votes = 47,282

|percentage = 28.84

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Kevin Craig

|votes = 12,584

|percentage = 7.68

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in candidate|Write-ins

|candidate = Others

|votes = 37

|percentage = 0.02

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri#District 7}}

In the August 2 Republican primary, Long defeated Nathan Clay, Christopher Batsche, Matthew Evans, Lyndle Spencer, Matthew Canovi, James Nelson and Mary Byrne.{{cite web |title=Missouri's 7th Congressional District election, 2016|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri%27s_7th_Congressional_District_election,_2016 |website=Ballotpedia |access-date=24 June 2018}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title= 2016 election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Billy Long

|votes = 228,692

|percentage = 67.5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Genevieve Williams

|votes = 92,756

|percentage = 27.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Benjamin Brixey

|votes = 17,153

|percentage = 5.1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in candidate|Write-ins

|candidate = Others

|votes = 6

|percentage = 0.0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri#District 7}}

In the Republican primary, Long defeated Jim Evans, Lance Norris, and Benjamin Holcomb. In the general election, he defeated Democratic nominee Jamie Schoolcraft, who had defeated Kenneth Hatfield, John Farmer de la Torre, and Vincent Jennings in the Democratic primary.{{cite web |title=Billy Long |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Billy_Long |website=Ballotpedia }}

{{Election box begin no change

|title= 2018 election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Billy Long

|votes = 195,872

|percentage = 66.3

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jamie Schoolcraft

|votes = 88,642

|percentage = 30

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Benjamin Brixey

|votes = 10,833

|percentage = 3.7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in candidate|Write-ins

|candidate = Others

|votes = 270

|percentage = 0.1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri#District 7}}

In the August 4 Republican primary, Long defeated Eric Harleman, Kevin VanStory, Steve Chetnik and Camille Lombardi-Olive.{{cite web |title=Missouri's 7th Congressional District election, 2020 |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri%27s_7th_Congressional_District_election,_2020 |website=Ballotpedia |access-date=27 December 2020}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title=Missouri's 7th congressional district, 2020{{cite web |title=All Results State of Missouri - State of Missouri - General Election, November 03, 2020 |url=https://enr.sos.mo.gov/ |website=Missouri Secretary of State |access-date=December 9, 2020}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Billy Long

| votes = 254,318

| percentage = 68.9

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Teresa Montseny

| votes = 98,111

| percentage = 26.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Libertarian Party (United States)

| candidate = Kevin Craig

| votes = 15,573

| percentage = 4.2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Independent (United States)

| candidate = Audrey Richards (write-in)

| votes = 1,279

| percentage = 0.3

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

| votes = 2

| percentage = 0.0

}}

{{Election box end}}

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Subcommittee on Energy and Power
• Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
• Subcommittee on Health
• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Committee on Homeland Security
• Republican Steering Committee

• Congressional Arts Caucus{{cite web |title=Membership |url=https://artscaucus-slaughter.house.gov/membership |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140644/https://artscaucus-slaughter.house.gov/membership |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=13 March 2018 |publisher=Congressional Arts Caucus |df=dmy-all}}
• Congressional Constitution Caucus{{cite web |title=Members |url=https://congressionalconstitutioncaucus-garrett.house.gov/about-us/membership |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614044928/https://congressionalconstitutioncaucus-garrett.house.gov/about-us/membership |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date=8 May 2018 |publisher=Congressional Constitution Caucus}}

{{reflist}}

{{wikiquote}}

{{commons category}}

• {{C-SPAN|61880}}
• {{CongLinks | congbio=L000576 | votesmart=123401 | fec=H0MO07075 | congress=billy-long/2033 }}

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{{s-aft|after=Eric Burlison}}

|-

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|before=Vicky Hartzler|as=Former US Representative}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States
{{small|as Former US Representative}}|years=}}

{{s-aft|after=Mike Ross|as=Former US Representative}}

{{s-end}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Long, Billy}}

Category:1955 births

Category:American auctioneers

Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States Senate elections

Category:Living people

Category:Politicians from Springfield, Missouri

Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri

Category:21st-century members of the United States House of Representatives

Category:Second Trump administration personnel